R2 (Resident Advocacy Project) Reducing the Risk of ATV-related Harm in Saskatchewan Children

Abstract

Abstract Rationale and Objectives All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are the second highest cause of transport-related hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and disabilities in Saskatchewan citizens of all ages. Saskatchewan law restricts the use of ATVs by children aged 12-16 and bans the use of ATVs by children under the age of 12 on public land. Previous CPS status reports had found this level of legislation inadequate. Clinically, we certainly see many children enter Saskatchewan hospitals for ATV-related injuries, and previous attempts at education campaigns and government lobbying have not been successful. There is limited Saskatchewan information on this issue, so we first sought to gather data to identify where social and legislative advocacy efforts should be directed. Project Description We partnered with the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute, a non-profit organization working to prevent injuries in children, as they have worked on ATV safety over the years with community partners as well as government. We completed a retrospective chart review to describe the prevalence and outcomes of ATV accidents in children and youth (aged 20 and under) presenting to hospitals in Saskatoon from 2016 to 2021. Armed with this data, we will be able to improve education campaigns as well as share information with key stakeholders, and hopefully effect change. Outcomes During the study period, 354 children presented to hospital after an ATV accident (most aged 12-16 years). Over 90% of children using dirt-bikes were wearing a helmet compared to 48% of children using four-wheeled ATVs (quads, side-by-sides, and other ATVs). Accidents involving quads resulted in an average hospital stay of 10 days, compared to 2 days for cases involving dirt-bikes. Finally, the type of injury was significantly associated with the patient’s health region of residence. For example, children living in the North and Far North Saskatchewan accounted for the highest proportion of moderate/severe head injuries (76.19%) and polytraumas (50%). Discussion/Future Directions This data suggests that there is a potential knowledge gap in public knowledge regarding the risks of children using ATVs; that there may be barriers to helmet use; and, most strikingly, that there is a disproportionate number of severe injuries occurring in northern Saskatchewan. New public education initiatives are now in development based on these findings. There are many stakeholders to consider, and we are aiming to share our data so that evidence-based policy decisions can be made. We are currently drafting a letter to relevant ministries, and hope to have more progress to share in the near future.